German Derivatives Exchange Rumored to Be Launching Crypto Futures

Eurex, a derivatives exchange that is operated by German exchange organization Deutsche Börse, has announced its intention to launch several crypto futures contracts. The company is reportedly planning to introduce contracts for BTC, ETH, and XRP.

Eurex Expected to Launch Crypto Futures Contracts

Deutsche Börse-operated Eurex has reportedly become the latest major financial institution to be on the cusp of launching crypto asset derivative products.

Citing “several people familiar with” the company’s plans, media has reported that the exchange has been meeting with market makers regarding the cryptocurrency futures, with Eurex planning to launch contracts for BTC, ETH, and XRP.

The exchange is believed to have been considering introducing cryptocurrency futures since 2018, with a spokesperson for Deutsche Börse stating: “We are thinking about futures, with which private investors and institutional investors can protect existing investments in bitcoin or set for falling prices of the cyber currency” in an interview during Dec. 2017.

Deutsche Börse Expands Crypto Asset Endeavors

The rumored Eurex futures contracts come almost six months after Deutsche Börse announced that it had established a division dedicated to crypto assets and distributed ledger technology (DLT).

The “DLT, Crypto Assets and New Market Structures” division was headed by Jens Hachmeister, who has led the company’s blockchain initiatives since April 2018. Hachmeister was tasked with overseeing a team of 24.

Detailing the reasons behind the company’s decision to set up the division, Hachmeister stated: “Deutsche Börse has been active with the technology in a first phase of ideation and exploration … However, these explorative steps have not been coordinated on a group-wide level. In order to use the full potential of the technology for our businesses, to generate efficiencies and create revenues, a centrally steered approach is necessary.”

Do you think that crypto derivatives will become a mainstream financial product by 2020? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Samuel Haig

Samuel Haig is a journalist who has been completely obsessed with bitcoin and cryptocurrency since 2012. Samuel lives in Tasmania, Australia, where he attended the University of Tasmania and majored in Political Science, and Journalism, Media & Communications. Samuel has written about the dialectics of decentralization, and is also a musician and kangaroo riding enthusiast.